UCLA G Wilkes withdraws from NBA draft

UCLA guard Kris Wilkes pulled out of the NBA draft on Tuesday and is returning to college for his sophomore campaign.

Wilkes averaged 13.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in his first college season.

"Kris was a huge part of our team last season, and he knows that he'll have an even bigger role for us during his sophomore year," Bruins coach Steve Alford said in a statement. "With Kris, you're talking about a young man with limitless potential. We are really excited to have him back for at least one more season. He certainly has a bright future in this game, and there's no question that, down the road, he will be a first-round draft pick."

Wilkes agrees with Alford's assessment and figures to leave after his sophomore season.

"I'm grateful to everybody at UCLA who has been supporting me and helping me through the pre-draft process," Wilkes said. "It was certainly an eye-opening experience, one that I know is going to help me get better. I'm excited for the summer and for our season ahead, and I'm ready to get to work. Go Bruins!"

UCLA is still awaiting a decision from guard Jaylen Hands, who averaged 9.9 points as a freshman.

Earlier, leading scorer Aaron Holiday (20.3) retained an agent to end his college career after his junior season.